4 Small Business Grants in Pennsylvania

Small Business Grants in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is home to several very popular American manufacturing companies. The state is considered a thriving business hub.

As of recent data, Pennsylvania is home to approximately 1.1 million small businesses. These small businesses employ nearly 2.5 million workers, accounting for about half of the state’s private workforce. With enormous industries in the state, there’s no wonder that small businesses seek loans and grants for capital.

In this article, we’ve listed the top sources for seeking small business grants in Pennsylvania.

Top 4 Sources for Small Business Grants Pennsylvania

There are two main ways to search for Pennsylvania’s best small business grants. First, you can search for business resources and grants locally and within your region.

Secondly, you can find out about state-sponsored small business grants in Pennsylvania.

It is also recommended that you talk to the local Small Business Administration (SBA) representative and other similar departments in your area.

Let’s check out the top ways you can seek and secure small business grants in Pennsylvania:

1 – Small Business Advantage Grants

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) offers the Small Business Advantage Grant.

Small businesses and farmers with less than 100 employees on payroll can seek this small business grant in Pennsylvania.

This grant matches up to 50% of equipment and material costs for grant recipients. Eligible recipients can receive up to 50% of project costs, with a maximum award of $5,000 through this grant.

This grant is meant to invest in pollution prevention, waste reduction, and energy-efficient processes and projects.

You must apply for the Small Business Advantage Grant through the DEP’s online application process. To learn more about eligibility criteria, documents required and the application process, you can visit the website at https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/GrantsLoansRebates/

2 – Very Small Meat Processor Grant

The Pennsylvania Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grant Program offers reimbursement grants to support the development and expansion of small meat and poultry processing operations.

Recipients can be reimbursed for costs associated with obtaining or maintaining a USDA FSIS inspection, opening or expanding operations, consulting or technical support fees, professional development or employee training, and the purchase of meat/poultry slaughter or processing equipment or supplies, including for employee safety. The funding limitation is up to $100,000 per applicant.

Eligible applicants are those very small meat and poultry processing operations that either currently operate under a USDA FSIS grant of inspection or will use the grant funds to obtain such an inspection. Applications must be submitted through the PA Department of Community & Economic Development by June 1, 2023

3 – Empowerment Zone Grants

Several grants are awarded to businesses operating in Philadelphia’s “Empowerment Zones”. These are specially designated areas that receive additional funding for economic development.

While Philadelphia has designated areas for economic development, the specific grant programs, eligibility, and award amounts can vary widely and are subject to change.

This grant offers funds ranging from US$ 20,000 to US$ 25,000 for business assistance, beautification and business expansion.

The specific eligibility criteria differ between different grant programs under this initiative. Your business might have to meet additional criteria to seek other grants, such as that for business assistance.

You can visit Philadelphia’s Commerce Department and consult with staff members to learn all the eligibility criteria and application process details.

This allows you to discuss your business needs and additional details on specific grant programs. Once you’ve decided on the type of grant you wish to apply for, you can simply download the application form and submit it to the Department of Commerce for approval.

Get the application form from this link https://www.phila.gov/documents/empowerment-zone-funding-applications/.

4 – Storefront Improvement Program

The Storefront Improvement Program allows owners to improve their business or building’s exterior.

This initiative is meant to reimburse nearly 50% of the total improvement costs of commercial properties. Through the Storefront Improvement Program, eligible business owners can be reimbursed for up to 50% of the cost of exterior improvements, with a maximum of $10,000 for a single commercial property and up to $15,000 for multiple properties or corner businesses.

If your business operates out of multiple locations in Philadelphia or is a corner business property, you can receive up to $15,000 in small business grants in Pennsylvania.

Eligibility criteria dictate that the business property must be located at approved locations. You can check this by contacting any City of Philadelphia staff member.

Once approved, you will need to create a plan for the project with a relationship manager. Once the plan is finalized, you can download and apply the following link https://www.phila.gov/programs/storefront-improvement-program/.

5 – Fundera Zach Grant

The Fundera Zach Grant is another excellent way to secure small business grants in Pennsylvania.

This grant offers up to $2,500 for the most creative, original, high-quality application video submitted to the committee.

Conclusion

These are the top 5 sources to secure small business grants in Pennsylvania. There are numerous other grant and funding opportunities for small businesses in the state.

You can do a quick online search to find additional resources for getting small business grants in Pennsylvania.

You can also visit any of the commercial supporting and advocacy groups in your area for further details on small business grants in Pennsylvania.

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